Evidence supporting the use of: Common Plantain
For the body system: Spleen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Common Plantain (Plantago major) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European, Native American, and Asian systems. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), plantain seeds (known as Che Qian Zi) are sometimes used to support the Spleen, often as part of multi-herb formulations aimed at promoting fluid metabolism and addressing digestive concerns. The Spleen in TCM is considered critical for digestion and the transformation of food into energy, not strictly analogous to the anatomical spleen in Western medicine. Plantain’s use in this context is based on its perceived ability to "drain dampness" and support healthy digestive function. However, there is limited direct scientific evidence linking Plantago major to specific benefits for the spleen, either as defined in TCM or Western physiology. Most modern research focuses on plantain's wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, rather than its effects on the spleen or digestive system. Thus, present-day use for spleen support is primarily justified by tradition and historical herbal practices, rather than clinical or pharmacological studies.
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